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I can no longer move forward with President Yameen- Gayyoom

2016-11-25 22:50:15

Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom- Photo: VNews

Former President and President of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom states that he did not believe that he could move forward with President Abdulla Yameen any longer in the days to come.

He made the statement while being interviewed on this week’s episode of VTV’s weekly show “Hameedh ge Mehemaansara”.

Gayyoom said that although a PPM administration is in power today, the administration’s actions contradict PPM’s values. He also noted that pledges made during the campaign trail and the manifesto sold to the public, are not being realized.

He said that based on how events are unfolding right now, he did not believe that it would be possible for him to repair damages and show a united front with Yameen.

“We cannot work in unity, isn’t it? How can we work in unity while these issues remain as they are? If we wish to work in unity we need to begin all over again. Unless that happens, I shall not support this administration”, Gayyoom said.

Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom- Photo: VNews

Gayyoom said that amendments such as the amendment that sell off land from Maldives have been brought with no regard for the rights of citizens. He also said that there are various threats to democracy today including threats that the opposition face due to the increase in restrictions to freedoms. Gayyoom said that this was a matter of grave concern.

Responding to claims by some people that Gayyoom is the most appropriate person to 'sustain' the current administration, Gayyom said that being a sibling of the man in power does not mandate a person to work in that manner.

“I neither oppose anyone, nor support anyone. I support values. I would support anyone who believes in those values. However, there is no reason to support a person because the person in power is a sibling. I did not help Yameen come into power because he is my brother. This has nothing to do with bloodline”, Gayyoom said.

Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom- Photo: VNews

He said that the reason he supported Yameen’s candidacy was because he won the party primary in accordance with set procedures. He said that it only disappoints him to see a family member being part of what the administration is carrying out today.

He said that we need faith in working towards implementing reform. He expressed hope that the nation would see better days.

He also expressed hope that the 2018 presidential election would be a free and fair election conducted in an environment where citizens are free to vote for the person they support.

Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom with the host- Photo: VNews

When asked if there was a good candidate for 2018, Gayyoom said that right now he has none in mind. He also denied claims that he has been trying to field one of his children for the 2018 election.

“I am not trying to make any of my children president. Those (rumors) are lies. I am not fielding any specific candidate. I observe certain values and limitations”, Gayyoom said.

Gayyoom also said that he no longer wished to contest in an election. He added that he was not thinking of creating a new political party.